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Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Analytical Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 8814

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Interests: chromatography; mass spectrometry; extraction; green analytical chemistry; emerging contaminants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Green analytical chemistry (GAC) has revolutionized sample preparation methodologies by integrating sustainability, efficiency, and safety into procedures, all while meeting analytical and economic requirements. Properly incorporating green chemistry into sample preparation techniques and remediation has significantly reduced or eliminated the use of hazardous substances, such as toxic solvents, thereby minimizing risks to human health and contributing to environmental protection.

Beyond priority compounds released into the environment, there are also contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which include a wide range of chemical substances such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, sweeteners, disinfection byproducts, etc. There is limited information concerning the occurrence, toxicity, and environmental fate of these contaminants that pose a threat to environmental ecosystems.

This Special Issue aims to summarize state-of-the-art methods, technologies, and novel applications of green chemistry in the fields of environmental analysis, remediation, and toxicity/risk assessment.

Dr. Vasilios Sakkas
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • chromatography
  • mass spectrometry
  • extraction
  • green analytical chemistry
  • emerging contaminants

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1250 KB  
Article
Almond Shell-Derived Biochar for Lead Adsorption: Comparative Study of Pyrolysis Techniques and Sorption Capacities
by Eva Pertile, Tomáš Dvorský, Vojtěch Václavík, Lucie Berkyová and Petr Balvín
Molecules 2025, 30(20), 4121; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30204121 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 164
Abstract
Lead (Pb(II)) contamination in water poses severe environmental and health risks due to its toxicity and persistence. This study compares almond shell-derived biochars produced by slow pyrolysis (SP) and microwave pyrolysis (MW), with and without KOH activation, focusing on structural properties and Pb(II) [...] Read more.
Lead (Pb(II)) contamination in water poses severe environmental and health risks due to its toxicity and persistence. This study compares almond shell-derived biochars produced by slow pyrolysis (SP) and microwave pyrolysis (MW), with and without KOH activation, focusing on structural properties and Pb(II) adsorption performance. Biochars were characterized by proximate and elemental analysis, BET surface area, FTIR spectroscopy, and adsorption experiments including pH dependence, kinetics, and equilibrium isotherms. Non-activated SP exhibited the highest surface area (SBET = 693 m2·g−1), pronounced mesoporosity (≈73% of total pore volume), and the largest observed equilibrium capacities. KOH activation increased surface hydroxyl content but degraded textural properties; in MW samples, it induced severe pore collapse. Given the very fast uptake, kinetic modeling was treated cautiously: for non-activated biochars, Elovich adequately captured the time-course trend, whereas activated samples returned non-physical kinetic constants (e.g., negative k2) likely due to high post-adsorption pH (>11) and probable Pb(OH)2 precipitation. Equilibrium data (fitted over 50–500 mg·L−1) were better captured by the Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson models, indicating a mixed adsorption behaviour with contributions from heterogeneous site distribution and site-specific interactions. Optimal Pb(II) removal occurred at pH 4, with no measurable leaching from the biochar matrix. Overall, non-activated SP biochar is the most effective, sustainable and low-cost option among the tested materials for Pb(II) removal from water, avoiding aggressive chemical activation while maximizing adsorption performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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22 pages, 4224 KB  
Article
Removal of Oxyanions and Trace Metals from River Water Samples Using Magnetic Biopolymer/Halloysite Nanocomposites
by Nyeleti Bridget Mabaso, Philiswa Nosizo Nomngongo and Luthando Nyaba
Molecules 2025, 30(18), 3777; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183777 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 428
Abstract
The presence of metallic pollutants presents a significant risk to human health, making their removal crucial. Magnetic halloysite nanotube (HNT@Fe3O4) nanocomposite was synthesised via co-precipitation, and then magnetic hydrogel (Fe3O4@HNT-SA and Fe3O4 [...] Read more.
The presence of metallic pollutants presents a significant risk to human health, making their removal crucial. Magnetic halloysite nanotube (HNT@Fe3O4) nanocomposite was synthesised via co-precipitation, and then magnetic hydrogel (Fe3O4@HNT-SA and Fe3O4@HNT-CTS) nanocomposites were prepared using chitosan (CTS) and sodium alginate (SA) biopolymers. The structural, morphological, crystalline, surface, and thermal properties of the hydrogels were determined. The favourable adsorption performance of Fe3O4@HNT-SA and Fe3O4@HNT-CTS hydrogels towards As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Pb, Sb and V was established by optimising the factors affecting the sorption process. The results indicated that Fe3O4@HNT-CTS was suitable for the adsorption of As, Cr, Mo, Sb and V, while Fe3O4@HNT-SA had high adsorption affinity for Cd and Pb. The data for the adsorption of target analytes onto the hydrogels were mostly explained by both the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second order model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Fe3O4@HNT-SA hydrogel for Cd and Pb were 52.2 mg/g and 57.7 mg/g, respectively. On the other hand, the maximum capacities of the Fe3O4@HNT-CTS hydrogel for As, Cr, Mo, Sb, and V were 30.3 mg/g, 28.4 mg/g, 22.2 mg/g, 24.7 mg/g, and 19.9 mg/g, respectively. The Fe3O4@HNT-SA and Fe3O4@HNT-CTS hydrogels effectively removed the respective target analytes from river water samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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20 pages, 14941 KB  
Article
Cold Plasma-Induced Changes in Polyethylene Particles and Their Binding Affinity to Selected Pharmaceuticals
by Aleksandra Wypart-Pawul, Beata Karwowska, Renata Caban and Anna Grobelak
Molecules 2025, 30(18), 3756; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183756 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
Environmental contamination with microplastics and trace pharmaceuticals is an increasing ecological and health concern. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-temperature cold plasma on polyethylene (PE) microplastic particles and to assess the potential for degradation of pharmaceuticals adsorbed onto their surfaces. [...] Read more.
Environmental contamination with microplastics and trace pharmaceuticals is an increasing ecological and health concern. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-temperature cold plasma on polyethylene (PE) microplastic particles and to assess the potential for degradation of pharmaceuticals adsorbed onto their surfaces. Two types of PE samples were prepared: suspended in distilled water and in treated wastewater. All samples were exposed to cold plasma. In the second stage, PE particles were saturated with selected pharmaceuticals (diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim) and then subjected to plasma treatment. Pharmaceutical concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Particle morphology was analyzed via light microscopy (after Nile red staining) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that cold plasma treatment leads to agglomeration of PE particles, with the extent increasing with longer plasma exposure time. Pharmaceuticals adsorbed to the PE surface in the range of 20–70% of the applied dose. Cold plasma demonstrated the ability to remove pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly diclofenac (>98%), sulfamethoxazole (99.99%) and trimethoprim (>98%). These findings indicate that cold plasma has promising potential as a supportive technology for removing both microplastics and pharmaceutical residues from wastewater and aquatic environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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18 pages, 3224 KB  
Article
Design of Experiments Approach for Efficient Heavy Metals Stabilization Using Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers
by Raffaele Emanuele Russo, Elisa Santoni, Martina Fattobene, Mattia Giovini, Francesco Genua, Cristina Leonelli, Isabella Lancellotti, Ana Herrero and Mario Berrettoni
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3235; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153235 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 555
Abstract
Alkali-activated aluminosilicate matrices are increasingly studied for their ability to stabilize hazardous metal contaminants via alkali activation at room temperature. In this study, metakaolin-based geopolymers were used to immobilize chromium and nickel salts, with systematic variation of key synthesis parameters, Na/Al molar ratio, [...] Read more.
Alkali-activated aluminosilicate matrices are increasingly studied for their ability to stabilize hazardous metal contaminants via alkali activation at room temperature. In this study, metakaolin-based geopolymers were used to immobilize chromium and nickel salts, with systematic variation of key synthesis parameters, Na/Al molar ratio, metal concentration, anion type, and alkaline solution aging time, which have not been previously studied. A Design of Experiments approach was employed to study the effect of factors on metal leaching behavior and to better understand the underlying immobilization mechanisms. The analysis revealed that higher Na/Al ratios significantly enhance geopolymerization and reduce metal release, as supported by FTIR spectral shifts and decreased shoulder intensity. Notably, aging time had an influence on chromium behavior due to its effect on early silicate network formation, which can hinder the incorporation of chromium species. All tested formulations achieved metal immobilization rates of 98.8% or higher for both chromium and nickel. Overall, this study advances our understanding of geopolymer-based heavy metal immobilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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12 pages, 826 KB  
Article
Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction Based on C18 Nanoparticles for the Determination of Pesticides in Aquaculture Water Samples
by Margarita Kapsi, Vasileios Sakkas, Vasiliki Boti and Triantafyllos Albanis
Molecules 2025, 30(9), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30092076 - 7 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1018
Abstract
In this study, C18-functionalized magnetic silica nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@C18) were used as adsorbents for the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of organic contaminants commonly applied to aquaculture water (organic booster biocides, herbicides, and insecticides) followed by Gas Chromatography coupled [...] Read more.
In this study, C18-functionalized magnetic silica nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@C18) were used as adsorbents for the magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of organic contaminants commonly applied to aquaculture water (organic booster biocides, herbicides, and insecticides) followed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The extraction conditions and efficiency of the nanoparticles for the determination of ten pesticides (atrazine, ethoxyquine, chlorothalonil, chlorpyriphos methyl, methyl parathion, chlorpyriphos, resmethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, permethrin, and irgarol) were thoroughly investigated. Several experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as the amount of sorbent, extraction time, and elution time were optimized by employing experimental designs as response surface methodology. Validation experiments showed that the average recoveries of target analytes were in the range of 60% to 99%. The optimized method exhibited good linearity (R2 > 0.9901) and satisfactory precision (Relative Standard deviations, RSDs < 15%). The method detection limits ranged between 1.9 ng L−1 and 62 ng L−1. Finally, the MSPE method was successfully applied to aquaculture water samples collected from the Thesprotia region (N.W. Greece), Thermaikos Gulf (N. Greece) and Butrint (S.W. Albania). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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25 pages, 2988 KB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Electrosorption for Pharmaceutical Wastewater Management and Sustainable Biochar Regeneration
by Nuria Bernárdez-Rodas, Emilio Rosales, Marta Pazos, Óscar González-Prieto, Luis Ortiz Torres and M. Ángeles Sanromán
Molecules 2025, 30(7), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071435 - 24 Mar 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1098
Abstract
The adsorption capacity of a biochar (BC) obtained from pine wood residues was evaluated for its ability to remove two pharmaceuticals: fluoxetine (FLX) and sulfamethizole (SMZ). The material showed promising results in FLX removal, but a limited capacity in the case of SMZ. [...] Read more.
The adsorption capacity of a biochar (BC) obtained from pine wood residues was evaluated for its ability to remove two pharmaceuticals: fluoxetine (FLX) and sulfamethizole (SMZ). The material showed promising results in FLX removal, but a limited capacity in the case of SMZ. In order to improve these results, BC surface modifications were made by doping with nitrogen, as well as using acid, basic and electrochemical treatments. A three-dimensional electrosorption treatment proved to be the most effective, increasing the adsorption rate from 0.45 to 13.46 mg/g after evaluating different operating conditions, such as the electrodes used or the BC dosage. Consecutive cycles of BC use were performed through desorption and electro-regeneration techniques to test its capacity for reuse, and it was observed that application in the 25 mA electric field increased the useful life of the material. Finally, the effect of ionic strength was studied, highlighting that the presence of ions did not significantly affect the efficiency of SMZ removal, although a slight increase was observed at a high ion concentration, probably due to a salinization effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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15 pages, 1319 KB  
Article
The Effectiveness of Liquid-Phase Microextraction of Beta-Blockers from Aqueous Matrices for Their Analysis by Chromatographic Techniques
by Mihail Simion Beldean-Galea, Mihaela-Cătălina Herghelegiu, Vlad-Alexandru Pănescu, Jérôme Vial, Maria Concetta Bruzzoniti and Maria-Virginia Coman
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051016 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 943
Abstract
Beta-blockers are pharmaceuticals used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and arrhythmia. Due to high consumption, they are continuously released into the environment, being detected in many aqueous matrices. The aim of this research is to test the effectiveness of [...] Read more.
Beta-blockers are pharmaceuticals used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and arrhythmia. Due to high consumption, they are continuously released into the environment, being detected in many aqueous matrices. The aim of this research is to test the effectiveness of two green liquid-phase microextraction procedures, such as dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and solidification of floating organic droplet microextraction (SFOME) for the selective extraction of eight beta-blockers (atenolol, nadolol, pindolol, acebutolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, propranolol, and betaxolol) from aqueous matrices for their analysis by gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC). The influence of extraction parameters, such as the type and volume of extraction and disperser solvents, and ionic strength were studied. The developed extraction procedures provide a good enrichment factor for six compounds (61.22–243.97), good extraction recovery (53.04–92.1%), and good sample cleaning for both extraction procedures. Good limits of detection (0.13 to 0.69 µg/mL for GC and 0.07 to 0.15 µg/mL for HPLC) and limits of quantification (0.39 to 2.10 µg/mL for GC and 0.20 to 0.45 µg/mL for LC) were obtained. The developed procedures were successfully applied to the analysis of selected beta-blockers in wastewater samples, proving their applicability to the real samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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15 pages, 1375 KB  
Article
Green Chemistry Within the Circular Bioeconomy to Harness Chestnut Burr Extract’s Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity Against Helicobacter pylori
by Maria Lucia Schiavone, Roberta Barletta, Alfonso Trezza, Michela Geminiani, Lia Millucci, Natale Figura and Annalisa Santucci
Molecules 2025, 30(2), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30020324 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1642
Abstract
Green chemistry principles are pivotal in driving sustainable and innovative solutions to global health challenges. This study explores a hydroalcoholic extract from Castanea sativa (chestnut) burrs, an underutilized natural resource, as a potent source of antimicrobial compounds against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori [...] Read more.
Green chemistry principles are pivotal in driving sustainable and innovative solutions to global health challenges. This study explores a hydroalcoholic extract from Castanea sativa (chestnut) burrs, an underutilized natural resource, as a potent source of antimicrobial compounds against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The extract demonstrated significant bactericidal activity, synergizing effectively with clarithromycin and showing additive effects with metronidazole. Remarkably, combining the extract with clarithromycin and sub-inhibitory concentrations of pantoprazole reduced clarithromycin’s Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) to just 1.56% of its original value. Mechanistic studies suggest that the extract’s polyphenolic compounds compromise bacterial membrane integrity, enhancing antibiotic uptake, while pantoprazole disrupts bacterial ATPase activity. This research highlights the critical role of natural product extraction within the framework of green chemistry, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic antimicrobials. By harnessing bioactive compounds from plant sources, this approach addresses the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance while promoting the responsible use of natural resources. The findings underscore the transformative potential of green chemistry in developing effective, eco-conscious antimicrobial therapies that align with global sustainability goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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Review

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24 pages, 1387 KB  
Review
Sustainable Recovery of Critical Minerals from Wastes by Green Biosurfactants: A Review
by Bita Deravian and Catherine N. Mulligan
Molecules 2025, 30(11), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112461 - 4 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1359
Abstract
Biosurfactants have emerged as promising agents for environmental remediation due to their ability to complex, chelate, and remove heavy metals from contaminated environments. This review evaluates their potential for recovering critical minerals from waste materials to support renewable energy production, emphasizing the role [...] Read more.
Biosurfactants have emerged as promising agents for environmental remediation due to their ability to complex, chelate, and remove heavy metals from contaminated environments. This review evaluates their potential for recovering critical minerals from waste materials to support renewable energy production, emphasizing the role of biosurfactant–metal interactions in advancing green recovery technologies and enhancing resource circularity. Among biosurfactants, rhamnolipids demonstrate a high affinity for metals such as lead, cadmium, and copper due to their strong stability constants and functional groups like carboxylates, with recovery efficiencies exceeding 75% under optimized conditions. Analytical techniques, including Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), are instrumental in assessing recovery efficiency and interaction mechanisms. The review introduces a Green Chemistry Metrics Framework for evaluating biosurfactant-based recovery processes, revealing 70–85% lower Environmental Factors compared to conventional methods. Significant research gaps exist in applying biosurfactants for extraction of metals like lithium and cobalt from batteries and other waste materials. Advancing biosurfactant-based technologies hold promise for efficient, sustainable metal recovery and resource circularity, addressing both resource scarcity and environmental protection challenges simultaneously. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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